ETT diameter

Q; Size of an Endotracheal Tube (ETT) represents? (choose one)

A) Internal diameter of ETT

B) External diameter of ETT

Answer: B

The “size” of an ET tube refers to its internal diameter. 

A “size 7 ” ET tube, means one with an internal diameter of 7 mm. ET tubes are usually labeled as ID (internal diameter) and OD (outside diameter).

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References:

1. Haas CF, Eakin RM, Konkle MA, Blank R. Endotracheal tubes: old and new. Respir Care. 2014 Jun;59(6):933-52; discussion 952-5. doi: 10.4187/respcare.02868. PMID: 24891200.

2. Esianor BI, Campbell BR, Casey JD, Du L, Wright A, Steitz B, Semler MW, Gelbard A. Endotracheal Tube Size in Critically Ill Patients. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Sep 1;148(9):849-853. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2022.1939. PMID: 35900743; PMCID: PMC9335245.

3. Ahmed RA, Boyer TJ. Endotracheal Tube. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539747/